10 Best Usb Hubs for Monitor

As you're setting up your workspace, you're likely looking for ways to maximize your monitor's potential. You're not alone – many of us struggle with limited ports and cluttered desks. That's where a reliable USB hub comes in. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. You might be wondering, what features should you prioritize? Should you opt for a compact design or a docking station with multiple ports? Let's explore the top 10 USB hubs for monitors that can help you streamline your workflow and take your productivity to the next level.

Key Takeaways

• Consider a USB hub with a mix of high-speed USB 3.0 ports and slower USB 2.0 ports to accommodate different device needs.
• Determine the specific devices you want to connect to the hub and how you want to use it to ensure compatibility and sufficient ports.
• Look for a hub that provides flexibility and versatility for connecting various devices and peripherals, such as multiple HDMI ports for extended displays.
• Ensure the hub is compatible with your monitor and devices, and check the operating system compatibility to avoid connectivity issues.

Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1)

The Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1) is an ideal choice for professionals and power users seeking an exhaustive docking solution that can simultaneously support up to three monitors, charge their laptop and phone, and provide a multitude of ports and slots for expanded connectivity.

This docking station offers huge expansion capabilities, allowing users to connect multiple devices at once.

Additionally, it supports extensive media display, making it an excellent option for those who require multiple monitor setups.

Users have reported positive feedback on the build quality and performance, making it a reliable choice for desktop use.

Best For: Professionals and power users seeking an exhaustive docking solution for desktop use.

Pros:

• Huge expansion capabilities with multiple ports and slots for connecting multiple devices at once
• Comprehensive media display with support for up to three monitors

Cons:

• Confusion with USB-C formats and PD support
• Initial issues with accidental power disconnection and misunderstanding

Targus USB C Docking Station Universal

Optimizing workspace organization and productivity, the Targus USB C Docking Station Universal stands out as an ideal choice for users seeking seamless connectivity and dual-monitor support.

This docking station boasts a range of features that cater to diverse needs, including 65W Power Delivery, two HDMI 2.0 ports for dual-monitor setup, and multiple USB-A and USB-C ports for connecting accessories.

It's compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, making it a versatile option for users.

The docking station also includes Ethernet and audio ports, and comes with a 3-year limited lifetime warranty.

With its compact design and ease of use, the Targus USB C Docking Station Universal is an excellent addition to any workspace.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who need a reliable and versatile docking station to connect multiple monitors and accessories to their laptops.

Pros:

• Offers seamless connectivity and dual-monitor support with 65W Power Delivery and two HDMI 2.0 ports
• Compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Cons:

• Some users have reported network connectivity issues and laptops being damaged after using the docking station
• Monitors may turn off when the laptop goes to sleep

WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station

For professionals and multitaskers seeking a reliable docking station to support dual 4K monitors, the WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station stands out with its flexible video interfacing capabilities and maximum resolution of 5120x1440p60 (5K Ultrawide) or 4096x2160p60 (Cinema 4K).

This docking station is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android, making it a versatile option for users with different devices.

It also features six USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer, a Gigabit Ethernet port for fast network speeds, and a 100W power adapter for laptop charging.

Additionally, the WAVLINK docking station supports power delivery through its USB-C port, ensuring a reliable and efficient connection.

Best For: Professionals and multitaskers seeking a reliable docking station to support dual 4K monitors with flexible video interfacing capabilities.

Pros:

• Supports dual 4K monitors with maximum resolution of 5120x1440p60 (5K Ultrawide) or 4096x2160p60 (Cinema 4K)
• Compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android

Cons:

• No specific details on the product's durability or build quality
• Limited information on customer support beyond the 18-month limited warranty

HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter for Laptops and Notebooks

One ideal solution for users seeking a versatile and compact docking station that can support up to three displays is the HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter for Laptops and Notebooks.

This dock is designed for both HP and non-HP USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops, offering universal compatibility with USB-C functionality.

It supports charging, data transfers, and networking between devices, making it an excellent choice for those who need to connect multiple devices.

The compact dock has a small footprint of 5 x 5 inches, reducing clutter and eliminating the need for extra cords and wires, while its easy single-cable setup guarantees a hassle-free experience.

Best For: Users seeking a versatile and compact docking station that can support up to three displays and need to connect multiple devices.

Pros:

• Compact design with a small footprint, reducing clutter and eliminating the need for extra cords and wires
• Supports charging, data transfers, and networking between devices, making it an excellent choice for those who need to connect multiple devices

Cons:

• No specific information provided about the maximum resolution supported by the three displays
• No information provided about the speed of data transfers

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station for MacBook Pro/Air

What sets the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station apart is its impressive 18-port design, making it an ideal choice for MacBook Pro and Air users who require a versatile and powerful docking solution.

This docking station is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and full-featured USB-C laptops, and supports multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android.

With its triple/quad 4K extended display feature, users can connect up to four 4K monitors at 60Hz, making it perfect for multitasking and productivity.

The dock also includes a powerful 120W power adapter, which can charge laptops with up to 100W and phones with 18W via the front USB-C port.

Best For: MacBook Pro and Air users who require a versatile and powerful docking solution for multitasking and productivity.

Pros:

• Offers an impressive 18-port design with triple/quad 4K extended display feature, supporting up to four 4K monitors at 60Hz.
• Includes a powerful 120W power adapter, which can charge laptops with up to 100W and phones with 18W via the front USB-C port.

Cons:

• Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers, which may be an additional step for some users.
• May require additional power for some laptops to run 3 monitors effectively.

Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station

The Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station is an ideal choice for professionals and individuals who require multiple display outputs for enhanced productivity.

With its ability to support up to three monitors for multitasking, this docking station boasts an impressive array of features, including dual HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, allowing users to connect up to three monitors and display different content on each.

Additionally, it supports high-speed charging up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones, making it a convenient and efficient solution for those on-the-go.

With fast file transfer capabilities via USB-C and USB-A ports, this docking station is designed to streamline workflow and increase productivity.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who require multiple display outputs for enhanced productivity.

Pros:

• Supports up to three monitors for multitasking and displays different content on each
• High-speed charging up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones

Cons:

• Requires DisplayLink driver for independent display outputs on Macs
• Some users experience USB connection inconsistency and display resolution issues

Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock

For those seeking a high-speed docking station with dual 4K monitor support and versatile compatibility, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock stands out as an excellent choice.

This docking station offers lightning-fast connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports for data transfer, media streaming, and device charging.

Additionally, it features USB-C and USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, 2.5G Ethernet, and a security lock slot, making it an ideal solution for those who need multiple connectivity options.

With its ability to support up to two 4K monitors and quick charging capabilities, this dock is perfect for users who require a reliable and efficient docking experience.

Best For: Those who prioritize Microsoft's design language and need a high-speed docking station with dual 4K monitor support and versatile compatibility.

Pros:

• Offers lightning-fast connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports for data transfer, media streaming, and device charging
• Supports up to two 4K monitors and quick charging capabilities

Cons:

• Lacks some features compared to other docks, such as triple/quad monitor support, HDMI, DisplayPort, and SD card readers
• Priced at $300, which may be considered expensive for some users

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock

Those seeking a reliable and high-performance multi-connectivity solution that can support up to 8K display or dual 5K displays, while also providing 96W charging and compatibility with M1/M2 Macs, PCs, and USB-C devices, will find the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock an excellent choice.

This dock features 11 ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and an SD card slot, making it an ideal solution for users with multiple devices.

With its 96W power delivery, users can charge their laptops efficiently, and its compatibility with M1/M2 Macs, Intel Macs, and PCs guarantees seamless connectivity.

Additionally, the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock supports up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz display, making it suitable for users who require high-resolution displays.

Best For: Professionals and users with multiple devices seeking a reliable and high-performance multi-connectivity solution that can support high-resolution displays and efficient charging.

Pros:

• Supports up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz display, making it suitable for users who require high-resolution displays
• Provides 96W charging, making it efficient for laptop charging

Cons:

• Some users experienced issues with fullscreen video playback on external monitors
• The placement of the charging port may be inconvenient for some users

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock (40AF0135US)

Ideal for professionals seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution, the Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock (40AF0135US) stands out as a top choice for its ability to support up to two 4K displays and offer a range of USB ports for connecting various devices.

This dock is compatible with most Windows laptops and features two DisplayPort 1.2 ports, two HDMI ports, and multiple USB ports, including a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port and five USB-A ports.

Additionally, it has a 10/100/1000 Mb/s Ethernet port and comes with a USB Type-C cable and Type-A adapter.

With a compact design and weighing only 1.06 pounds, this dock is perfect for professionals who need a reliable and portable docking solution.

Best For: Professionals seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution that can support multiple displays and devices.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K displays and offers a range of USB ports for connecting various devices
• Compact design and lightweight, making it perfect for professionals who need a portable docking solution

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with the monitor ports becoming non-functional after a few months of use
• Customer support can be difficult to communicate with, leading to frustration and wasted time

Plugable Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports

The Plugable Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports stands out as an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution that can support dual monitor setups with resolutions up to 1920×1200.

This docking station boasts an impressive array of features, including two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and six USB ports, making it an ideal solution for expanding laptop connectivity.

Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, this docking station is suitable for a wide range of users.

Additionally, it comes with a 2-year warranty, providing users with peace of mind.

While it may not be suitable for gaming, it's perfect for web and productivity software, making it an excellent choice for home or office use.

Best For: Those who need a reliable and versatile docking solution for expanding laptop connectivity, particularly for web and productivity software in home or office settings.

Pros:

• Supports dual monitor setup with resolutions up to 1920×1200 and provides flexible expandability for laptops
• Compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS

Cons:

• Not recommended for gaming due to performance limitations
• Does not support DisplayPort connections or playback of encrypted/copy-protected content

Factors to Consider When Choosing a USB Hub for a Monitor

When selecting a USB hub for your monitor, you'll want to weigh several key factors.

You're looking for a hub that meets your specific needs, so pondering what you want to connect to it and how you want to use it's crucial.

Port Options Variety

Your monitor's USB hub should offer a diverse range of port options to accommodate your unique setup and needs.

You'll want a hub that provides flexibility and versatility for connecting various devices and peripherals. Consider a hub with a mix of high-speed USB 3.0 ports and slower USB 2.0 ports to accommodate different device requirements and speeds.

The number of ports required depends on the number of devices you need to connect, with a minimum of two to three ports recommended for most users.

Look for specialized ports like USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge for fast charging and data transfer.

You may also want a hub with multiple HDMI ports to support multiple monitors, enabling extended or mirrored displays and improving productivity and multitasking capabilities.

Additionally, consider a hub with a mix of USB-A, USB-C, and USB-3.0 ports to guarantee compatibility with both older and newer devices, as well as faster data transfer speeds.

Don't forget to check the port layout and orientation to guarantee easy access and minimize clutter.

Display Resolution Limits

The display resolution limits of a USB hub can substantially impact your overall viewing experience, especially if you're planning to connect multiple high-resolution monitors.

The maximum display resolution supported by a USB hub depends on its video output capabilities. For instance, some hubs are limited to 1080p or 1440p resolution, while others with HDMI 2.0 ports can support up to 4K at 60Hz.

If you need higher resolutions, look for hubs with DisplayPort connections that can support up to 5K at 60Hz or dual 4K monitors at 60Hz. Additionally, your laptop or computer's graphics processing unit (GPU) and its ability to handle multiple high-resolution displays will also impact the display resolution limit.

Be sure to check the specifications of a USB hub before purchasing to confirm it can support your desired display resolution and refresh rate. Remember, the display resolution limit may vary depending on the USB standard, display connection, and power delivery capacity of the hub.

Compatibility Check List

To guarantee a seamless connection, consider the following essential factors when choosing a USB hub for your monitor.

First, certify the hub is compatible with your laptop or computer's operating system, whether it's Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS, to avoid connectivity issues.

Next, check if the hub supports your monitor's resolution and refresh rate, as some may have limitations.

You'll also want to verify that the hub has enough ports to connect all your devices, including monitors, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.

Additionally, determine if the hub requires any drivers or software installations, and if so, certify they're compatible with your operating system.

Don't forget to check the type and number of USB ports on the hub, such as USB 3.0 or USB-C, to certify they match your laptop's ports and meet your device connection needs.

Finally, consider the hub's compatibility with multiple monitors, webcams, mice, keyboards, and other devices you plan to connect to avoid any connectivity limitations.

Power Delivery Capacity

When selecting a USB hub for your monitor, it's vital to ponder the power delivery capacity, as it directly impacts the number and type of devices you can connect.

The power delivery capacity determines how much power the hub can supply to connected devices, with higher capacities supporting more demanding devices.

You'll want to weigh the power requirements of your devices and verify the hub's capacity can meet those needs.

Some hubs have dedicated power delivery ports that can charge laptops or other devices at faster speeds, such as 60 watts or more.

Be aware that some hubs may have limited power delivery capacity due to the number of ports or the type of USB standard used.

If you need to connect power-hungry devices, look for hubs with higher power delivery capacities, such as up to 100 watts.

This will guarantee that your devices receive the power they need to function properly.

Cable Management System

A well-organized workspace is essential for productivity, and a cable management system in your USB hub for monitor setup plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

When choosing a USB hub, consider one with a built-in cable management system that includes features like cable ties, cable organizers, or built-in cable storage. This will help keep your cords organized, reduce clutter, and prevent cable damage and tangling.

Look for a hub with a compact design and small footprint to minimize desk space usage. A good cable management system should accommodate cables of various sizes and types, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB cables, and provide easy access for adding or removing devices.

Some hubs even have removable cable organizers or trays, allowing you to customize the system to your needs. By investing in a USB hub with a well-designed cable management system, you'll enjoy a clutter-free workspace, improved airflow, and reduced risk of cable damage.

Additional Feature Set

Beyond cable management, you'll want to ponder a USB hub's additional feature set, which can substantially enhance your overall user experience and productivity.

Look for a hub with multiple high-speed USB 3.0 ports to support data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps. Consider one with built-in Ethernet connectivity for a stable and fast internet connection. A hub with audio and microphone ports can also enhance your multimedia experience.

Some hubs come with additional features like card readers, power delivery capabilities, and support for multiple independent screens or extended desktop modes. These features can remarkably improve your productivity and multitasking capabilities.

When selecting a USB hub, consider the number and type of ports required, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-A or USB-C, to guarantee compatibility with your devices. Additionally, features like audio output, Ethernet connectivity, and charging capabilities can expand the hub's functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a USB Hub With a Non-Usb-C Laptop or Desktop?

You're wondering if you can use a USB hub with your non-USB-C laptop or desktop. Yes, you can! You'll just need to connect the hub to your computer using a USB-A or USB-B port.

Are USB Hubs Compatible With All Monitor Brands and Models?

You're wondering if your USB hub will work with any monitor brand and model. Generally, yes, they're compatible, but verifying the hub's specifications and the monitor's USB requirements is crucial to guarantee a seamless connection.

Do USB Hubs Support 4K or 5K Resolution on Multiple Monitors?

You're wondering if your USB hub can handle 4K or 5K resolution on multiple monitors. The answer is, it depends on the hub's specs, but most modern hubs support up to 4K at 30Hz or 5K at 15Hz on multiple displays.

Can I Charge My Laptop Through a USB Hub While in Use?

You can charge your laptop through a USB hub while in use, but make sure the hub can deliver enough power to your laptop, and it's designed for charging, not just data transfer.